University students immunized and not immunized for measles: a comparison of beliefs, attitudes, and perceived barriers and benefits.

OBJECTIVE To compare students who were immunized or not immunized during the 1997 Simon Fraser University measles outbreak in British Columbia. METHODS Descriptive comparative study using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a stratified random sample of 400 immunized and 400 non-immunized SFU students. RESULTS Perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, cues to action, threat and student age were significantly related to being immunized. Logistic regression analysis achieved an overall correct prediction rate of 84.7% by including the contribution of the four variables of susceptibility, barriers, cues to action, and health motivation. Content analysis of the non-immunized students' descriptions of what it would have taken for them to be immunized indicated the influence of these four variables. DISCUSSION The Immunization Health Belief Model Scale is a valuable tool for ascertaining attitudes and beliefs relating to immunization decision-making. Interventions targeted to significant beliefs may increase immunization coverage levels and result in improved disease prevention.